ABSTRACT
1. The subject of this book is the development of Rugby football. We have attempted to explain this process by relating it to changes in the wider social structure. Our approach can be described as ‘developmental’. Since such an approach does not slot neatly into the present division of academic labour, we shall start by saying a word or two about it. It differs from that of the conventional sociologist in the sense that we are concerned with a long-term social process. It also differs from that of the conventional historian in that we bring sociological concepts explicitly to bear on the task of explanation, and our concerns are theoretical and not simply empirical. It will probably help the reader to understand the specific character of this approach if we give a brief résumé of the stages through which Rugby passed in developing its modern forms. Such a discussion will enable us to clarify some of the conceptual problems that a ‘developmental’ approach entails and prepare the way for a consideration of the theoretical issues towards which our study is directed.
